Carroll Community College Celebrates Groundbreaking of Dr. James Ball Athletic Complex
Westminster, MD — Carroll Community College held a groundbreaking ceremony on October 21st to mark the symbolic start of construction on its new Dr. James Ball Athletic Complex, a state-of-the-art athletic complex named in honor of Emeritus President Dr. James Ball.
The event highlighted the College’s commitment to expanding opportunities for student-athletes and fostering community engagement. “This field represents a vision that many of us shared for years: a vision of Carroll Community College as a place where students can grow not only academically, but also physically, socially, and emotionally,” said Dr. Ball during the ceremony, expressing gratitude for having the complex bear his name.
Athletics play a vital role in that growth, teaching teamwork, perseverance, and leadership, qualities that serve our students well beyond the classroom. This complex will be a place where students compete, where families gather, and where our community comes together,” he added, underscoring the facility’s broader impact beyond college sports.
The Dr. James Ball Athletic Complex project ushers in “a new chapter for Carroll athletics,” said Dr. Rosalie Mince, President of the College. The first phase of the athletic complex will include several major facilities designed to enhance student success and community involvement.
| Feature | Description |
| Turf Field | All-weather synthetic surface ensures a consistent playing field |
| 1/4-Mile Track | 400-meter running track equipped for track-and-field events |
| Bleacher Seating | Integrated bleachers for spectators, offering comfortable viewing for games and events |
| Field Lighting | High-quality stadium lighting to accommodate evening games and events |
“We are creating a space that reflects our commitment to excellence and student success,” said Dr. Mince, noting that the facility will expand competitive opportunities for students. “As we look ahead, this field will be a catalyst for growth, not just in athletics, but in how we connect with our community. It will allow us to host regional events, welcome families to campus, and create new traditions that strengthen our identity as a college of opportunity and belonging,” she said.
Both Dr. Ball and Dr. Mince expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts that made the project possible. “We are grateful to the Carroll County Commissioners for their support, to the Carroll Community College Foundation for their dedication, and to our community for believing in this vision,” said Dr. Mince, acknowledging the critical support of turning the long-held vision into reality.
College faculty, coaches, and staff were also recognized as “the many voices and hands that helped bring this vision to life,” through their dedication and teamwork, said Dr. Ball.
The new $5.6 million complex will not only host the College’s home games and regional sports events but also serve as a gathering place that brings together students, families, and the broader community to celebrate athletics and college spirit.
This special groundbreaking ceremony affirmed the College’s vision of building a campus environment where academic excellence and athletic opportunity go hand in hand, empowering students and uniting the Carroll County community. The Dr. James Ball Athletic Complex is poised to become a vibrant focal point for campus events and a source of Lynx pride, strengthening school spirit and community ties for years to come.
The new complex ensures Carroll students have access to high-quality athletic experiences on par with those of their peers across the region, reinforcing the College’s belief in their potential and its commitment to helping them thrive.
PHOTO 1 CAPTION: Carroll Community College celebrates the groundbreaking of the Dr. James Ball Athletics Complex. Pictured from left to right: David O’Callaghan, Board Chairperson; Terri Leatherwood, Athletics Director; Dr. James Ball, Emeritus President; Dr. Rose Mince, President; Commissioner Susan Krebs; Commissioner Kenneth Kiler; Commissioner Tom Gordon; Steve Aquino, Foundation Board President; and Steve Wantz, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement & College Foundation.
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Carroll Community College’s mission is Empowering learners. Changing lives. Building community. Carroll Community College (Carroll) provides accessible, high-quality educational opportunities to advance careers, enrich lives, and strengthen the community we serve. Carroll offers academic and career preparation leading to transfer to four-year colleges and universities, and for direct entry into professional opportunities. Carroll Community College is located at 1601 Washington Road, Westminster, Md., 21157. Visit us on our website at www.carrollcc.edu.